There are several trends spurring people to book river cruises: an interest in family travel, slower, more authentic travel and a focus on sustainability and recovery. Simply put, river cruises offer more personalized service traveling in smaller groups, and you get more quality time in ports than on the mass market cruise ships.
River Cruise News 2021
Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises 2022 will add a new Nile River Cruise Ship. The Viking Aton is expected to debut in Egypt, joining its identical sister ship, Viking Osiris, set to launch later this year along with Viking Ra in September 2022, sailing Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, a land and sea cruise/tour that includes a three-night stay in Cairo before an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile.
The new ship will sail 82 guests in 42 outside staterooms with river views including suites with two full-sized rooms and verandas. It will have a pool and sun deck with wraparound views, a lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and Viking’s Aquavit Terrace al fresco dining eatery.
Viking river cruises special offer: From now through January 31, 2021, U.S. residents can take advantage of special savings on cruise fares and up to free international airfare on select 2021 – 2023 ocean and river itineraries.
AmaWaterways River Cruises
AmaWaterways River Cruises is offering a FREE pre and post river cruise land package. Valued up to $2,800*, now extended to February 28, 2021
For a limited time, when you reserve select European river journeys, you’ll receive a complimentary 2-, 3- or 4-night land package! Sail through the heart of Europe’s most fascinating destinations aboard inviting ships that offer the luxury of space and breathtaking river views. You’ll be treated to exquisite locally-sourced cuisine, a variety of included excursions such as guided hikes and bike rides, a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour and much more. Plus, extend your journey in fascinating cities alongside an intimate group of fellow cruisers and accompanied by your wonderful Cruise Manager.
What’s Included in Your Complimentary Pre- or Post-River Cruise Land Package
- Stays at 4- and 5-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- City tours led by knowledgeable local guides
- The services of one of our extraordinary Cruise Managers throughout your journey – unique in the industry
- Convenient transfers to and from the ship
Enhance your experience in Europe by exploring all the iconic sights in the most convenient way, available for a limited time. Ask for promo code FREELAND at time of obtaining a quote or making a reservation.
AmaWaterways will also have more than 60 wine theme cruises in 2021 through Europe, AmaWaterways will welcome aboard notable wine experts, certified sommeliers and vineyard owners as hosts, connecting guests with lectures and tastings to complement the extensive array of included shore excursions
Uniworld River Cruises
Uniworld River Cruises is preparing for the return of travel with a savings up to 30% on select dates and itineraries now through March 31. Air reservations through Uniworld can also save travelers $500 with airport to ship transfers included by private car. River cruising is the best way to go with smaller ships and fewer guests, constant proximity to land and shore-side resources, no crowds, a high crew to guest ratio and self- disinfecting ships that purify their own air and surfaces of bacteria and viruses.
Here are some select departures the new Uniworld offer applies to:
- Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy – a 10 day cruise from Milan to Venice exploring Northern Italian vineyards and breathtaking architecture.
- Splendors of the Nile – 12 days from Cairo exploring the Temple of Kamak and Luxor.
- Enchanting Danube – 8 days from Budapest to Passau to discover the best of Eastern and Western Europe.
- Amsterdam and Brussels Bound – 8 days from Brussels to Amsterdam along the Rhine exploring on bike tours, sightseeing with locals and tasting amazing food.
- Eastern European Escape – 8 days from Vienna to Belgrade with vibrant Vienna, dramatic architecture of Budapest and picturesque landscapes between.
- Vienna Vibe – 8 days from Nuremberg to Vienna sailing the Danube to discover the best of Germany and Austria with art displays, bike rides and cooking classes.
Uniworld is scheduled to launch a river/rail trip in partnership with Golden eagle Luxury trains. The 12 and 14 day itineraries are offered with its Venice-based northern Italy river cruises, taking guests through Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Cruise and Rail will also be offered through Hungary, Italy, Turkey, Romania, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia and Bulgaria. Another itinerary in the works from Uniworld is the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express from Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia.
Tauck River Cruises
Travel is on the horizon – and you can book your Tauck river cruise or small ship cruise with confidence, enjoying flexible payment terms and no change fees on your tour cost. Final payments are not sure until 60 days prior to travel. in the event Tauck is unable to operate your journey’s departure date. We’ll give you flexible options to travel on another 2021 or 2022 date – or, if you wish, on a different journey. And if you decide that the time is not right for you to travel, we’ll refund your full tour cost. Tauck has three new European river cruises next year; a new family river cruise along the Danube timed for the holiday season, a 10-day autumn journey along the Rhine highlighting Oktoberfest in Munich, and an eight-day exploration on the Seine highlighting Paris, Versailles and Normandy’s D-Day Beaches.
Avalon River Cruises
Starting at just $1,974, sailing with Avalon along the Rhine River. Avalon River Cruises has a great selection of Rhine River cruises with itineraries ranging from 5 to 16 days. “With Avalon, it’s possible to cruise without a crowd, explore new cultures with ease and sail in intimate, off-the-beaten-path settings,” said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “Aboard our spacious, state-of-the-art Suite Ships, travellers enjoy the company of an expert Cruise Director, appealing crew-to-passenger ratios, the attention they deserve and seamless dock-and-go sightseeing. And, with its breadth of handsome harbours, intriguing ‘bucket list’ cities and quaint villages – across five countries – the Rhine will redefine the cruise experience for travellers in 2021.”
AVALON WATERWAYS BOOK NOW & SAVE: Enjoy $499 AIR, PLUS SAVE up to $2,500/couple on select 2021/2022 Europe river cruises
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published with 2021 information and has been retained as a useful reference. Cruise itineraries, pricing, and ship deployments change seasonally. For current 5+ year updated availability, pricing, and itinerary details, contact Atlas Travel Center — our advisors track every cruise line’s current offerings in real time. We’ve been booking cruises since 1987 and can find you the best available options today.
